The recently formed Work and Achievement party said President Kais Saied’s draft constitution “seeks to entrench individual rule” and threatens the independence of the judiciary.

The secular Democratic Current party was also highly critical saying that it “threatens the existence of the state”.

Speaking earlier President Saied denied that the his proposed constitution would restore authoritarian rule, insisting instead that it would guarantee citizens rights and freedoms.

Tunisia’s referendum is due to take place on 25 July.